Kobe and Gasol - like the good ol' days

Bryant again finds Gasol under the basket for two of his 22 points Tuesday in the Lakers' 104-96 victory. It happened over and over, the two hooking up for baskets, leaving a bit of nostaglia floating among the purple and gold streamers in Staples Center.

Just like the old days when the tandem of Bryant and Gasol led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.

Gasol and Bryant combined for 52 points and Bryant had six assists, giving fans a glimpse of what used to be.

"The last couple games it has felt that way a little more," Gasol said. "We know each other so well. We’ve played so much together, we know each other, we have a good understanding of the game and I think our teammates can feed off that."

In between injuries, Gasol has lamented a lack of touches this season, which ultimately turned into a reserve role and limited minutes. Coach Mike D'Antoni didn't seem to know how to play the 7-foot forward effectively alongside Dwight Howard, often times having Gasol out on the perimeter instead of near the basket.

Maybe he still doesn't. Gasol indicated after the game that his recent post play was a directive from Bryant.

"He told me to run to the post, take it and screw everything else," Gasol said. "That’s not in my personality. I like my team and my coaching staff to want me to be there instead of positioning myself there.

(But) it helps that kobe, who has a lot of control out there, wants me to be there, that he sees that it works and is supportive."

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